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Murder by Candlelight

Val & Arbie Mysteries, Book 1

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Murder by Candlelight

By: Faith Martin
Narrated by: John Hopkins
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About this listen

One suspicious death. Two amateur sleuths. And an utterly impossible crime…

The NUMBER ONE ebook bestseller!

'Amuses and intrigues in equal measure… a splendid start to what promises to be a long-running series’ Daily Mail

**************************************************

The Cotswolds, 1924. At the Old Forge in the quiet village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh a cry of anguish rings out: lady of the house Amy Phelps has been discovered dead. But with all the windows and doors to her room locked from inside, how – and by whom – was she killed?

Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift finds himself in the unlikely position of detective. The celebrated author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting is staying at the Old Forge to investigate a suspected spectre, but now the more pressing matter of Amy’s murder falls to him too.

With old friend Val, he soon uncovers a sorry tale of altered wills, secret love affairs and tragic losses – and plenty of motives for murder. When events take another sinister turn, Arbie must find the killer, fast. And to do so will mean cracking a most perfectly plotted crime…

Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, The Appeal and The Marlow Murder Club, don’t miss this stunning new series from the multi-million bestselling author!

©2024 Faith Martin (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Amateur Sleuths Cosy Crime Crime Fiction Detective Domestic Thrillers Fiction Historical Mystery Thriller & Suspense Murder Feel-Good Village

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All stars
Most relevant  
I truly enjoyed this tale, I like Arbie and his uncle too! Arbie is written in the traditional self-effacing Englishman style that Hugh Grant used to pull off in his early movies. He essentially just wants to be left alone to loaf about, as a reticent English aristocrat.

However, his friends won’t let him. One has convinced/coerced him into writing a book, which turns out to be a bestseller - much to his dismay - it means being persuaded to pen a sequel.
The other friend (potential girlfriend), convinces/coerces him into solving the ghost mystery that is bothering the local “Lady of the Manor”, even more so when said lady ends up dead!

This is no bumbling or foolish amateur dramatics. The Detective assigned to the case is not an ineffectual, hapless, overwhelmed character. In fact, everyone is just right! Even the ones who are so wrong!

This is a lovely start to what I think will hopefully be an endearing series.

Unlike others, it took me a while to get accustomed to the narrator. It wasn’t the voice that I was expecting for such a youthful character, but he did a fine job and I acclimatised myself to his voice in due course. I have preordered book 2 - not due until January 2025.

Very Clever and Very Cute

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Enjoyed book very much and there were some red herrings. Look forward to more .The narrator excellent.

Wonderful narration

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Interesting characters and storyline. Sometimes amusing and really very well narrated. Overall extremely enjoyable. Looking forward to more Val and Arbie mysteries.

Different and engaging

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Loved it!! I really enjoy Faith Martin.First one of these I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Was so English murder Mystery and Christiesque. The upper-class/middle-class and lower-class of the time and the RP English is hilarous! Loved it. 🥰

Murder by Candelight

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I’m a sucker for this style and era the golden age detective story.
And I love listening to them.yes it’s a bit soppy and far fetched but that’s why I love it.
Faith does a wonderful job of capturing sense of time and place - that probably never really existed( but we all wish did).isn’t that what fiction is?
The language used and attention to detail is lovely.
A gentle easy listen with enough interest to keep me wanting more.
It reminded me a bit of Bandings by PG Wodehouse.
Yes it’s a locked room murder mystery. Sorry no spoilers.
The narrator was very good and suited the well story.
I know that his voice of Valentina was a bit deep and some found irritating but It didn’t bother me.

First book I purchased by Faith Martin and I will be getting another.

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Good characters, well read, cosy and a little quirky. Worth listening to. I will try to find more of this authors work.

Good listen

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Loved this book. The performance is excellent and the story so cleverly written with the right touch of humour. Faith Martin is an incredibly talented author.

Fantastic read

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I loved this book. I loved the characters and the references to old England. I loved the playful use of language and humour. It felt like a hug in a book.

Feel Good Quintessentially English

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Nice little story, locked room mystery, ghostly goings on and a host of interesting and slightly quirky characters make up this light and genteel murder mystery. expert narrated by John Hopkins who always brings characters and atmosphere to life. Nice little twist at the end.

Fun and light hearted.

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This was a light and enjoyable read. Hope there are more Arbie Swift and Val novels to come.

Light, funnet, engaging

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